Image Credit: Tim Buss, CC BY 2.0
(North County Beat) – Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) has embarked on two significant initiatives aimed at enhancing water sustainability and infrastructure reliability in Encinitas and surrounding areas.
The first initiative involves the deployment of recycled water at a newly constructed medical office building located at 777 N. El Camino Real.
By substituting recycled water for potable water in irrigation systems, OMWD anticipates conserving over 7,500 gallons of imported drinking water annually. Recycled water, treated locally to meet stringent quality standards, not only bolsters drought resilience but also offers cost savings for both the district and its customers.
“We’re pleased with our decision to switch to recycled water for irrigation,” remarked Jason Van Engelenhoven of Manna Construction, the project’s manager. “It allows us to sustainably manage our property’s water usage, contributing positively to water conservation efforts amidst ongoing supply challenges and potential future drought regulations.”
OMWD currently produces up to 2 million gallons of recycled water daily at its 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility and supplements this with recycled water sourced from neighboring agencies. By leveraging partnerships and resource-sharing agreements, OMWD aims to expand its recycled water distribution network, meeting up to 15% of its total demands through recycled sources.
In tandem with these sustainability efforts, OMWD has initiated a critical infrastructure project to replace aging pipelines. Specifically, the district is beginning the replacement of a 1,500-foot segment of a 12-inch diameter pipeline originally installed in 1961 along Rancho Santa Fe Road, spanning from Las Olas Court to Avenida La Posta at the Carlsbad-Encinitas border.
“The replacement of aging water mains is essential to maintaining reliable service,” emphasized OMWD Board President Christy Guerin. “Proactive maintenance is crucial in preventing costly emergency breaks that could otherwise lead to significant water loss.”
To minimize disruptions during the pipeline replacement project, OMWD has devised a city-approved traffic management plan. Construction activities will primarily occur during daytime hours, Monday through Friday, with limited overnight work expected due to the residential nature of the project surroundings. This approach aims to mitigate inconveniences for nearby residents and schools.
